Ring-Coupled Stochastic Resonators for Flexible CPG Oscillation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for artificially creating a central pattern generator (CPG) using oscillators face challenges such as high power consumption, instability due to noise, and inflexibility in oscillation frequency, making them unsuitable for compact and low-power applications requiring cooperative operation between oscillators.

Innovation Solution

A fluctuation oscillator system comprising stochastic resonators connected in a ring-like configuration, where noise is applied to input signals, compared with a threshold, and differentiated to produce pulse signals, allowing for flexible and autonomous frequency adjustment, enabling robust operation and low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional oscillators are used to create a CPG, then the oscillation frequency is fixed by circuit constants, but the oscillation frequency cannot be changed flexibly and autonomously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation frequency flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the oscillator by applying noise signals with different intensities to the Schmitt trigger circuit. By adjusting the noise intensity parameter, the oscillation frequency can be continuously varied without changing the circuit structure, enabling flexible and autonomous frequency control while maintaining simple circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillator system achieves autonomous frequency control through self-service mechanism. The noise signal applied to the Schmitt trigger causes the output to spontaneously oscillate at frequencies determined by the noise intensity, eliminating the need for external frequency control mechanisms or complex feedback circuits. The system self-regulates its oscillation frequency based on the applied noise parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If high drive voltage is applied to combat noise in conventional oscillators, then noise robustness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise robustnessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise signal into a beneficial control mechanism. Instead of trying to eliminate noise and compensate for it with high drive voltages, the invention applies controlled noise signals to the Schmitt trigger circuit to generate and control the oscillation. The noise intensity becomes a control parameter for frequency regulation, transforming the adversary (noise) into an ally that enables both noise robustness and low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If computer simulation is used to create a CPG, then CPG signal generation is achieved, but compactification and power consumption reduction are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPG signal generation capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex computer simulation systems with a simple electronic circuit implementation. The CPG signal generation function, which would require high-capacity computers for simulation, is achieved using basic electronic components: a Schmitt trigger circuit, noise signal source, and differentiator circuit. This substitution dramatically reduces the apparatus volume while maintaining the ability to generate adaptive CPG signals with flexible frequency control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves flexible and autonomous oscillation frequency control, reducing power consumption and noise robustness, making it suitable for creating CPGs and controlling robots with multiple degrees of freedom.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of stochastic resonators which apply fluctuation to an input signal by superimposing a noise signal thereon, compare the resulting signal with a threshold value, and then perform differentiation to output a pulse signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStochastic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS8089321B2Fluctuation oscillator, fluctuation oscillating system, observation device and control system

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 OSAKA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Four stochastic resonators 20-1 to 20-4 outputting a pulse signal in accordance with a stochastic resonance phenomenon are unidirectionally coupled in a ring-like form to constitute a fluctuation oscillator 10. When a signal output from each of the stochastic resonators 20-1 to 20-4 is successively transmitted in the stochastic resonators 20-1 to 20-4 coupled in a ring-like form, the output timings at each stochastic resonator 20 are synchronized with each other due to a cooperation phenomenon between the stochastic resonators 20-1 to 20-4, so that each stochastic resonator 20 is self-excited to oscillate at a constant period of time.